Gov. Cuomo Subpoenas Marolda Properties for Tenant Harassment in Chinatown
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Margaret Chin in support of tenants’ rights, Photo: Margaret Chin
Public officials are finally recognizing the enemies besieging rent regulated tenants all around the Lower East Side and Chinatown. At least partially.
While Steve Croman is investigated (and sued) for harassing rent-regulated tenants, another controversial landlord is in hot water. Marolda Properties is accused of similar tactics at three of its Chinatown properties, including ongoing threats of eviction. Addresses are 90 Elizabeth Street, 83-85 Baxter Street, and 72 Forsyth Street.
Residents rallied yesterday afternoon to train a spotlight on the issue. Local electeds were also there for the cameras.
One day earlier, the Marolda Proeprties Tenant Coalition scored support from Governor Cuomo and the State Tenant Protection Unit. The guv himself issued a subpeona to the landholder for “preying on rent-regulated tenants using illegal tenant harassment tactics.” The subpoena is meant to “examine the patterns and practices of Marolda.”
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72 Forsyth St. in red
Michael Grinthal, a Supervising Attorney at MFY Legal Services said, “Marolda Properties and its owners have come into Chinatown very aggressively over the past couple of years, and MFY has gotten many calls from tenants facing bogus court cases and other harassment in their properties. We are happy to partner with the Tenant Protection Unit and believe that it will greatly assist our efforts to embolden tenants to stand up for their rights.”
“There’s no denying it — these tenants have a right to remain in their Chinatown homes, and we won’t stand for landlords who try to bully them out,” said Council Member Margaret Chin. “I’m so pleased that Governor Cuomo and the Tenant Protection Unit are strongly investigating Marolda Properties for alleged illegal harassment of their rent-regulated tenants, and I look forward to seeing justice for these families. I also thank CAAAV, AAFE and MFY Legal Services for their passionate work on this important issue.”
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